China revisited

You may know, if:
a. You know me in real life or
b. You have read more than one post here,

I am in love with China's orphans and visited there last year. I am planning to head back later this year (2013) and I have had people ask how they can help, what they can do, what they can give me to take over.

Interestingly, when I posed this question to the director of the organisation  I'll be travelling with, he said "money". Most of the things we can buy here for me to take over are made in China. One Aussie dollar goes so much further in China than you can imagine. However, I'm not asking you for money. I'm not asking you for anything. I'm just putting down my ideas for the people who have asked me for specifics. Easier than a bulk email, to be honest.

Part of this trip over will be me doing some kid's activities. Now I know those of you who know me will (not) be surprised, as that's been a big part of my role in libraries; the many components of early literacy my passion - and singing, movement, drama, play and crafts are so big a part of those foundations of learning. It'll be awesome to do them "just for fun".

If you're a parent or teacher of special needs kids, you may have some ideas for crafts or games i can involve them in - the children have vision issues, down's syndrome, cerebral palsy - you name it, so I'd love to be as inclusive as I can. Please message me any goldmine ideas.

If you really really want to help, I'm just after small light craft materials. You can message me for specifics. Not anything huge or heavy - I may need a fundraiser to pay excess baggage otherwise! I know I can buy this sort of stuff in China too, but truth is, I won't have time to, and the people already there are busy without another job.

So anyways, in other news, another group of people - unrelated to the team I travelled with - have just visited China and on facebook they posted  a photo of the precious Diana, who stole my heart and was my wee kindred spirit. So lovely to see her smiling face again, and made me even more excited about heading over.

My husband is planning on coming with me, but his work are digging their heels in with denying his leave request, so some prayers would be appreciated. Our God does mighty things, and His will will be done. We need grace or contained joy to accept it whichever way it goes. :)